Wind Energy Tony Coronado & Hamsa Mohamed AP Environmental Science

First off, there’s wind, wind is caused by rotation of the Earth, irregularities of the surface and uneven heating of the atmosphere. The wind patterns are then controlled by the Earth’s terrains and water, the wind flow is harvested by wind turbines and we get electricity, thus energy. Wind energy, or wind power as some may say, helps produce mechanical or electrical power. To make mechanical power, wind turbines convert kinetic energy, which could then be used for specific tasks, such as grinding grain or pumping water. A generator would also be able to use it and turn it into electricity to help power homes, school, businesses, etc. What is Wind Energy and What Does it Do?

As said before, wind turbines convert energy in the wind to mechanical power that is then used to help you out with everyday activities, like pumping water. The way electricity is sent to people though is a bit more complex. Basically, electricity is sent through transmission lines, towers, substations, etc. What makes it complex for the transmission from wind energy to electricity is that wind is imminent, meaning it comes and goes and cannot be stored for later use. The integration of wind energy into a transmission requires careful engineering and planning to properly condition the wind generated and to balance the mix of wind energy with other sources of energy. To sum it all up, getting power from the wind is one of the most cleanest and sustainable ways to generate electricity as it produces no toxic pollution or global warming emissions. Although, there are still many consequences that come with wind energy generation that shouldn’t go unnoticed. How Does It Work?

Wind energy is more variable than electricity produced by fossil fuels and by nuclear energy. The problem with this is wind blows when it chooses to, which is often not when its needed most. Also as a result, the role of wind is limited. Next, adding wind energy to the electric grid adds complexity which may be difficult to manage with declining resources. Basically keeping the job of balancing supply with electrical demand and keeping all sources of electricity in synch becomes more difficult, as more variable sources of supply come in line. If we are already having trouble with the electrical grid not being able to accept more wind energy in popular wind-generating areas when wind energy constitutes only 2.3% of total electricity supply, then wind energy is going to be difficult to scale up quickly. Obstacles Facing Wind Energy

This is a clean fuel source. What I mean by this is wind energy doesn't pollute the air like power plants that rely on combustion of fossil fuels, such as coal or natural gas. Wind turbines don't produce atmospheric emissions that cause acid rain or greenhouse gasses.Also wind energy is a domestic source of energy. The nation wind supply is abundant. Basically this means its available in large quantities. Also this is sustainable.For as long as the sun shines and wind blows, the energy produced can be harnessed to send power across the grid. Wind also is the lowest priced renewable energy technologies available today. Advantages of Wind Power

●Land Use ○ Due to wind power facilities depending on the sites, most wind turbines are used in flat places that actually take up more land than hilly areas, even though the turbines don’t even occupy all of the land, they actually occupy just a small portion. It’s been surveyed that wind facilities use up acres per megawatt of power output capacity, when in reality, less than 1 acre are disturbed permanently and less than 3.5 acres are disturbed temporarily. Many have said that the land used could be used more efficiently instead of wasting the land, like grazing, agriculture, highways, etc. Consequences of Wind Energy

●Wildlife and Habitat ○ Revolving mostly around birds and bats, there has been evidence that there have been bat and bird deaths due to collision with the spinning turbines and because of change of air pressure. ●Public Health and Community ○ The main impact on public health due to wind turbines would be the sound and visuals. People who live near a wind turbine would often complain about sound. People also see them as eyesores that ruin the natural landscape, even if it is giving them cleaner power, they keep whining. Consequences cont.

● Wind energy is a clean energy source and doesn’t cause pollution ● Wind energy is renewable, we’ll never run out of it ● Wind turbines are very efficient, the largest able to generate enough energy to power 600 U.S. homes ● The operational prices associated with wind power is low Pros of Wind Energy

● The death of birds and bats, maybe ● Wind is imminent and isn’t suited to save for later use ● Manufacturing and installing wind turbines require hefty investments ● Noise complaints ● Eyesores Cons of Wind Energy

Just recently, the Eiffel Tower had gotten two wind turbines installed on its lower deck after the iron-clad frame had been showing green. Once they go fully operational, they will be able to power the tower’s first-floor commercial areas. Setting themselves apart the usual wind turbines you see, these turbines are much more smaller and curved shape, specially designed by the UGE (Urban Green Technology.) These turbines are UGE’s latest series of clean energy additions for the tower, right now in the middle of a two-year renovation, other changes made to the tower will include energy-saving LED lights and an array of solar panels. Current Event

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